Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 March 1802

From Robert Smith

Navy Dept. Mar. 1. 1802

Sir,

For some weeks I have been much importuned by Mr Brown respecting the Marine Barracks. I have invariably referred him to the propositions prescribed by you, which were some months since sent to him as your ultimate determination. I have, however, in consequence of his pressing solicitation this day taken the liberty of sending the enclosed to you.

It is proper, Sir, to inform you, that under the contemplated arrangements respecting the Marine Corps I shall have no kind of occasion for the Barracks.

I am, Sir, Respectfully Your Ob. Servt.

Rt Smith

RC (DLC); at foot of text: “The President”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 1 Mch. and “Brown’s case” and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure not found.

For the involvement of contractor Robert Brown with the construction of the marine barracks in Washington, see Smith to TJ, 26 Oct. 1801. For the proposed reduction of the marine corps, see Vol. 34:373, 384, 398.

Also on 1 Mch., Smith sent TJ a brief letter requesting his signature on a warrant for George Bills, a boatswain on the frigate Adams, who “has been some time since appointed” (RC in DLC, in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith, at foot of text: “Prest U:States,” endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 1 Mch. and so recorded in SJL with notation “Bill’s,” also endorsed by TJ: “George Bills warrt.”; FC in Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP; NDBW description begins Dudley W. Knox, ed., Naval Documents Related to the United States Wars with the Barbary Powers, Washington, D.C., 1939–44, 6 vols. and Register of Officer Personnel and Ships’ Data, 1801–1807, Washington, D.C., 1945 description ends , 2:63, 70).

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